It’s Conference Championship weekend in College Football and this might just be the most important one that has ever been played. The CFP bracket gives the four highest-ranked conference championship winners a first-round bye, so there has never been as much pressure on many of these programs as there will be this weekend. As it stands now, if all the favorites won out, the byes would go to Oregon, Texas, SMU, and Boise State. Arizona State (highest ranked in Big 12) would become the 12-seed. Here is our 2024 College Conference Championship Games Preview.
Big Ten Championship:
No.1 Oregon vs No. 3 Penn State
This is a huge game because it’s the conference that has the two highest-ranked teams playing each other. If Oregon were to lose, we would have to imagine that the committee would consider making Penn State the number 1 team in the country. Oregon has been a powerhouse in the second half of their season. They have impressive wins over Ohio State, Illinois, and Boise State. Dillon Gabriel should be a Heisman candidate. Penn State has one loss, to Ohio State, in their last 5 games and has had a cupcake schedule in their final four to end the year. I expect the Ducks to penetrate a good Penn State defense and claim the top overall seed in the CFP. Prediction: Oregon 28 Penn State 17
SEC Championship:
No. 5 Georgia vs No. 2 Texas
The SEC could have had a nightmare scenario had Georgia lost to Georgia Tech, but the Bulldogs managed to gut it out in eight overtimes and hold onto their season. They were in the SEC Championship game no matter what, but even if they lose this game, they should be able to get an at-large bid. In fact, that’s exactly what I expect to happen. Texas isn’t playing their best football of the season and Saturday’s game vs Texas A&M was likely too close for their own comfort, but UT has been the best team in the conference. Prediction: Georgia 25 Texas 27
ACC Championship:
No. 17 Clemson vs No. 8 SMU
It’s kind of a joke that Clemson is even in this game to start. They lost their regular season finale to South Carolina, they have three losses, but they have one less conference loss than Miami, so they made the game. SMU has been one of the best surprises of the season and I think they will continue that into this game. The Mustangs are 11-1, they have one of the best running backs in the nation and they are facing a team that has two losses in their last five games. Prediction: Clemson 28 SMU 31
Big 12 Championship:
No. 15 Arizona State vs No. 16 Iowa State
The Sun Devils willed their way to a Big 12 title game berth despite being picked to finish last in the conference. Iowa State has been a pretty consistent program over the last few years and that remained the case this season. ASU has a high-powered offense led by senior running back Cam Scattebo. He will demolish defenders and keep the ball out of opposing offenses hands. ASU is playing with house money; they are a team of destiny. Prediction: ASU 34 Iowa State 30
Mountain West Championship:
No. 20 UNLV vs No. 10 Boise State
With a win, Boise State should get a first-round bye. Well…this is my upset pick. These two played a few weeks ago with the Broncos winning 29-24. UNLV has a top 10 run defense, and they held Ashton Jeanty (my Heisman pick) in check…for as well as you can hold him in check. If UNLV can dial up a game plan to limit Jeanty, they win this game. Boise State’s defense isn’t good enough to bail them out of big spots. Prediction: UNLV 28 Boise State 23